Wednesday, 13 June 2012

A young princess is imprisoned as her evil stepmother takes
control of the throne that’s rightfully hers.

Charlize Theron’s performance as the wicked Queen dominates
this otherwise lacklustre version of the classic fairy tale while man-of-the-moment
Chris Hemsworth (quickly becoming typecast) displays little of the charisma
shown in Thor as he attempts to protect Snow White.

All the essential elements of the story are here, the
poisoned apple, the seven dwarves and the handsome prince all appear in some
shape or form but as amusing as it was to see Bob Hoskins and Ray Winstone as
dwarfs this packs little emotional punch.

Friday, 8 June 2012

The remaining characters from Craig DiLouie’s The Infection
(see review elsewhere here) continue their struggle for survival in this zombie
monster-mash adventure.

I slowly became re-acquainted with Anne, the tormented
leader of the group as well as Todd, a young man who has had to grow up fast. New
characters are also introduced and bring their own issues to the story.

This sequel really kicks off when Camp Defiance, the refuge
valiantly defended in the previous novel, falls foul of infection. Following
this incident Ray (a survivor of infection) soon realises he can communicate
with the infected, not only with the humans, but also the hideous creatures
born of the virus.

The others decide that Ray either has to be eliminated
before he causes any further catastrophe or be captured as he surely holds the
key to any potential cure.

Each characters hazardous journey continues separately
before we come to the final bloody confrontation where true motives emerge and
loyalties are decided.

The Infection was a fantastic zombie novel and while this
doesn’t quite reach the same emotional level it’s a more than adequate
continuation of a story that doesn’t rely on blood and gore. By concentrating
on the inner torment faced by those involved DiLouie has created a series that
should appeal beyond the preconceived notions of the genre.

The Killing Floor is available in ebook and trade paperback
from Permuted Press.

Monday, 4 June 2012

A group of low level criminals embark on their sentence of “community
payback” in this Glasgow comedy from veteran director Ken Loach.

Robbie (Paul Brannigan) is a new Dad and desperate to leave
his troubled past behind but circumstances and rivals often drag him back into
criminal activity. While carrying out his community payback the group foreman (John
Henshaw) introduces Robbie to whisky and he quickly learns of a very valuable
cask that’s about to be sold. With the help of his friends he sets out to acquire
some of the whisky in an attempt to make some quick money.

The first quarter of the film has the typical depressing
feel of many films set in Glasgow but thankfully the tone shifts and we are
treated to a hilarious caper comedy. Writer Paul Laverty has perfectly captured
the language used by many in the city to hilarious effect but it’s strictly for
those not easily offended.

Début actor Paul Brannigan is fantastic in the leading
role, he handles the serious side of the character of Robbie perfectly and also
excels when the laughs kick in. Excellent support comes from John Henshaw and
the rest of the cast are brilliant too.

Sadly the films strength may also be its weakness. It is
such a very Scottish tale that it might not travel well. That being said this
is undoubtedly the best Scottish comedy since Gregory’s Girl and bears many
similarities to that films predecessor, That Sinking Feeling.

Take a break......from reality.

Welcome to my reviews blog where you will find my "man on the street" type reviews for films, books and tv. I will aim to avoid spoilers and give a waffle free opinion. Films will range from mainstream blockbusters to little known documentaries and everything in between. Books will lean towards crime fiction with a few surprises thrown in. Comments are welcome and you can use the reaction boxes to leave instant feedback.